2 Samuel 14:12
2 Samuel 14:12 in Multiple Translations
Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied.
Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.
Then the woman said, Let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak a word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.
Then the woman said, Will the king let his servant say one word more? And he said, Say on.
“Could I please ask for one other thing, Your Majesty?” the woman asked. “Go ahead,” he replied.
Then the woman said, I pray thee, let thine handmayde speake a worde to my lord the King. And he sayd, Say on.
And the woman saith, 'Let, I pray thee, thy maid-servant speak unto my lord the king a word;' and he saith, 'Speak.'
Then the woman said, “Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.” He said, “Say on.”
Then the woman said, Let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word to my lord the king. And he said, Say on.
Then the woman said: Let thy handmaid speak one word to my lord the king. And he said: Speak.
Then the woman said, “Your Majesty, please allow me to say one more thing to you.” He replied, “Speak!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 14:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 14:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
תְּדַבֶּר
נָ֧א
שִׁפְחָתְ/ךָ֛
אֶל
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
דָּבָ֑ר
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
דַּבֵּֽרִי
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
תְּדַבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Juss-3fs
נָ֧א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
שִׁפְחָתְ/ךָ֛
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
N-fs | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דַּבֵּֽרִי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 14:12
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
תְּדַבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Juss-3fs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
נָ֧א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
שִׁפְחָתְ/ךָ֛
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
N-fs | Suff
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דַּבֵּֽרִי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 14:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 14:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 14:12
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 14:12
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:12
Context — Absalom’s Return to Jerusalem
10“If anyone speaks to you,” said the king, “bring him to me, and he will not trouble you again!”
11“Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.”
12Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied.
13The woman asked, “Why have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, since he has not brought back his own banished son? 14For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 18:27 | Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes— |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 25:24 | She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. |
| 3 | Acts 26:1 | Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: |
| 4 | Jeremiah 12:1 | Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? |
| 5 | Genesis 44:18 | Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. |
| 6 | Genesis 18:32 | Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.” |
2 Samuel 14:12 Summary
In 2 Samuel 14:12, a woman asks King David if she can speak to him, and he gives her permission. This shows that even in ancient times, people could approach their leaders with requests and concerns. The woman's boldness and humility are an example to us, reminding us that we can approach God and others in authority with our needs and questions, as seen in Psalm 138:8 and Hebrews 4:16. Just like the woman, we can trust that God will hear our prayers and respond with mercy and kindness, as seen in Psalm 145:8-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the woman asking to speak to the king in 2 Samuel 14:12?
The woman's request to speak to the king in 2 Samuel 14:12 shows her boldness and desire to plead her case, which is reminiscent of other biblical figures like Esther, who also approached a king to request mercy (Esther 5:2, Esther 7:3).
Why did the king give the woman permission to speak in 2 Samuel 14:12?
The king gave the woman permission to speak because he was already invested in their conversation, having just made a vow to protect her son, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:11, and he was likely curious about what she had to say next.
What can we learn from the woman's approach to the king in 2 Samuel 14:12?
The woman's approach to the king teaches us about the importance of humility and respect when approaching those in authority, as seen in 1 Peter 2:13-17, and also shows us that boldness and persistence can be effective in achieving our goals, as seen in Luke 18:1-8.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 2 Samuel 14?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the conversation between the woman and the king, as it sets the stage for her to confront him about his own actions, specifically regarding the banishment of his son Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:13-14, and ultimately leads to the king's decision to allow Absalom to return to Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:21-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to approach someone in authority, and how can I do so with humility and respect, like the woman in 2 Samuel 14:12?
- What are some promises or vows that I have made to others, and how can I ensure that I keep them, just like the king did in 2 Samuel 14:11?
- How can I balance boldness and humility in my interactions with others, especially those in positions of authority, as seen in the woman's approach to the king?
- What are some ways that I can use my voice to advocate for others, just like the woman used her voice to plead for her son's life in 2 Samuel 14:12?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:12
Then the woman said, let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak [one] word unto my Lord the king,.... Having gained her point, and gotten a decree from him confirmed by an oath, that her son though he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:12
And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:12
Having obliged the king by his oath in her supposed case, she now throws off the veil, and begins to apply this parable to the king’ s and kingdom’ s present case.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:12
2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak [one] word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.Ver. 12. And he said, Say on.]
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 14:12
12. Let thine handmaid, &c.] The great object of her errand has still to be effected. Firmly and clearly, but yet to all appearance incidentally, she argues from the case of her son to that of Absalom.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 14:12
Having at last obtained what she wanted, the king’s oath that her son should not die, she proceeds to the case of Absalom.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Finishing the Course - 03 the Ministry of the Holy Spirit by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the opinions of men and instead being open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. He highlights how in the Ol |
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Abraham's Prayer by Bill Barratt | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham's prayer for the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. The speaker uses the analogy of knocks on his door to illustrate different |
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Elijah, Elisha and Ezekiel by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the humility and faithfulness of biblical figures like Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Abraham, Job, and Moses. Despite their great honor and righteousness, the |
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Homily 72 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus' teachings to the multitudes and His disciples, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments despite the hypocrisy of the religio |
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Dust and Ashes by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the humility of Abraham, who recognizes himself as 'dust and ashes' when speaking to God. This acknowledgment reflects the inherent baseness of humanity an |
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Homily 65 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility and lowliness of heart, contrasting it with the dangers of arrogance and pride. He emphasizes how true greatness comes from s |
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A Very Little Worm by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true assurance in God is accompanied by profound humility, as demonstrated by biblical figures like David, Abraham, Jacob, Job, Moses, and Paul. Each |